The proof marks are Liege. The barrels on #2 gun have the following code mark, "AMTLICH RAUCHLOS ERPRUVT" (government smokeless prooved). Dose this marking offer any clue as to origin? 1890's, maybe? Anyway early in the development of nitro powders.
The serial #,s on these guns are in the 8000,s range this suggests a maker that was in business for some time.! I'd not bet on that. Rather, the parts from a supplier that was in business for some time. The guns may well have been bought as proved barreled actions and finished up in the cottage section of the gun trade; "guild guns". I'd bet against Lebeau as he would have marked then; his name had BV from early on. Likely commissioned by someone with good knowledge of the trade and bought a a bargain price.
